Islamic State Fighter Jet Concerns

Concerns are now mounting with Western defense agencies that the Islamic State (IS) has gained control of Syrian fighter jets. It is believed the captured at least three jets during their assault of the Syrian air force base, al-Jarrah.

The fighters may be receiving training from Iraqi pilots who have defected to the Islamic State. The jets would be an addition to the vast array of weaponry the Islamic State has seized following assaults on Iraqi and Syrian military installations.

Initial reports suggest the aircraft have been flown at low altitudes for only a few minutes at a time. It is also believed that the aircraft are Russian-made.

The United States military says it will continue to conduct strikes against the Islamic State and will investigate these claims as they currently have no information on the issue.